Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

Imprint: Walker Books US

October 2024

ISBN13:9781536237023

Australia RRP:$19.99

New Zealand RRP:$24.99

Unsurprisingly, I’d not heard of this American singer/songwriter but apparently he’s a big hit in the world of blues/roots. His Christmas album, Socks, was highly praised by Rolling Stone magazine.

Now the lyrics have been presented in a picture book format, with the same illustrator, used for the album, handling the artwork. Orrock’s illos are highly amusing, particularly the facial expressions. This past week (30/11) I read the Preppies I was with, Dear Santa, I Do Not Need Socks, and we had a very lively conversation about what the children would ask for instead of boring useful presents. This would be a very handy partner title for that one.

It also offers up a perfect opportunity to talk about what is really important at Christmas time. I have to say I do like the spread with ‘socks’ in other languages, which would be a great discussion point as well – both as spoken and written comparisons. It’s 3 🎄🎄🎄 rating from me.